Country-Style Pork Ribs Just May Be the Tastiest Pork Available

Generous seasoning and a moderately hot oven or grill renders these country ribs golden brown and scrumptiously tender. (JeanMarie Brownson)

Make no mistake, country-style ribs are not really ribs. Instead, they are rib-size cuts from the shoulder end of the pork loin. The meaty pieces need less cooking time than ribs. Choose bone-in or boneless country ribs per your audience or availability. The bone-in ribs, unlike back ribs or spareribs, require a bit of eating dexterity to get all the juicy meat around the irregularly shaped bones.

To season the ribs, use a generous amount of your favorite rub, preferably one with just a hint of sweetness. Or, make your own Mediterranean seasoning blend by mixing oregano and rosemary with spices and a touch of cinnamon. Alternatively, purchase a similar seasoning such as the Greektown Mediterranean Seasoning from The Spice House or Tammy’s Herbal Rub from John Henry’s.

Serve the herby pork ribs with a bright, creamy cucumber sauce reminiscent of tzatziki. Dunk pieces of the roast pork in the spicy cucumber sauce, or spread the sauce over a warmed flatbread and top with diced pork and chopped tomatoes and onions for a wrap.

A winter-friendly salad such as halved tomatoes, chopped red onion, cucumber, and feta cheese chunks drizzled with fruity olive oil makes a beautiful accompaniment.

If desired, split the ribs between two baking sheets and add halved small red potatoes, tossed with a little olive oil to the pans. The potatoes will roast nicely alongside the pork and absorb some of the delicious pan juice flavors.

Roasted Pork Country Ribs With Spicy Cucumber Sauce

If desired, swap in six large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the pork. The cooking time is about the same.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

• 2 tablespoons dried leaf oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 1/2 boneless or 3 pounds bone-in pork country-style ribs
• 1 large seedless cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, labneh, or sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, optional
• 4 to 6 naan breads or pocketless pita breads, warmed

Mix oregano, rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt, onion powder, thyme, garlic powder, and cinnamon in a small dish. Place pork ribs on a shallow baking sheet. Sprinkle generously on all sides with the seasoning mix. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate covered for 1 day.

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Roast pork, turning once, until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 30 to 40 minutes. Internal temperature should be about 145 degrees F.

Meanwhile, use the large holes on a 4-sided grater to shred the cucumber into a colander. Crush garlic into the cucumber. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let drain, pressing on cucumber occasionally to extract some of the water, about 20 minutes. Use clean hands to squeeze the cucumber to extract more liquid, then place in a bowl. Stir in yogurt. Season with cumin and cayenne.

Serve pork with cucumber sauce and warmed naan.